There's a lot of relevant points here, that are important for you to know. I have included the answers to many questions I get asked pre-session.
* Please message me to tell me where you'd like to meet from the options on the locations page. This page also outlines the specific meeting points for each location.
* I value having a few quiet minutes before each session to prepare, so even if you can see me, and it looks like I'm alone, please wait until your scheduled start time before approaching.
* Our first few sessions are seated. I will have a chair for you. We can stay seated, as sessions go on, but if you'd particularly like to walk after session 3, just let me know.
* I will not attend an appointment if payment has not been made.
*If you are running late, please let me know. I wait 15 minutes and then leave if I haven't been able to make contact with you. Also please note that if you are late, your session time will still finish 70 minutes after your booked start time.
* Please complete the intake form, if you are able to, prior to session. You will find it here.
*Please do not bring a third party into therapy without discussing it with me first. A third party appointment is charged at a different rate and goes a little longer. $220 for 90 minutes.
* Re-scheduling sessions: Please only re-schedule if it is absolutely unavoidable.
* This is an outdoor based business (I do not have a therapy room) - which means sometimes the weather can interfere with our session plans. You will always be offered a video session or an alternative option where available, but occasionally we will need to reschedule if video is not something you're comfortable with.
* Please take note of what the weather is like before you arrive to our appointment and dress to the conditions - wear covered shoes and a hat. You may also like to consider bringing sunscreen, water and mozzie repellant. Handkerchiefs/tissues are also good to bring along.
* If you have a potentially infectious illness please let me know so we can move to zoom or reschedule. I will do the same for you.
* Have a think about what you might say if we encounter anyone you know while we are out together. Your privacy and confidentiality is a priority so this is where I would follow your lead. Also be mindful that we are out in public, and as such I can't guarantee your complete privacy and other people will walk close to us. Again I will follow your lead as to whether we stop speaking when other people get near etc
* Prior to session, think about what it is you are hoping to gain from our time together. If you were to look back on your therapy journey 12 months from now, what would you like to see has changed? What relationships have strengthened? Which ones have you let go? Where are you speaking up for yourself more? What skills would you like to learn in regards to communication and assertiveness? How much do you think your childhood has impacted on you as an adult and how much would you be comfortable delving into that initially?
* Please be aware that I live in Maitland and travel across Newcastle, Maitland and Lake Macquarie to provide my service. I factor in travel time when confirming/booking sessions, however sometimes situations out of my control may arise, which could make me run a little late. This is very, very rare.
* It is quite possible we may see each other out in the community between sessions - we may even attend the same social events. I am more than happy to say hello and have a casual, brief (non therapy related) chat, but due to protecting your privacy being my priority, you will need to approach me, I won't approach you. There's every chance I might be with my partner, a friend or a family member, and you'll need to take that into consideration - they may ask me who you are. I may look like I am ignoring you, however I am just meeting my obligations to maintain your privacy.
* Please scroll down to the bottom of this page for additional resources that we'll be utilising during our time together. If you have a printer, print out the journal provided as it will support our work together.
*As mentioned above, I am rarely, if ever late to a session, but due to the travel I do, it's certainly a possibility. If I am not at the designated meeting spot at our allocated time, please give me 5 minutes, if I think I will only be a few minutes I won't contact you (because texting or calling you will just make me even more late), if it looks like I will be significantly later (which has never happened), then I will pull over and contact you - if you are unable to wait, I will offer you another time, if you are able to wait, then I will still give you your full 70 minute session, but if I can't due to booking times, your next session will be longer. As I've said, this has never been an issue, but I have to have a plan in place, in case it ever is. :) Traffic around the Hunter is mayhem at the moment!
* I am not available for crisis support between sessions. The reason for this is that I simply may not be available to take a call or respond to a message that requires urgent action, and at times like that, I want you to get the help you need, in a timely fashion. If you are urgently in need of someone to talk to, prior to our next session, you can call one of the following numbers:
Lifeline – 13 11 14
Beyond Blue 1300 224 636
13YARN 139276 - Speak with an Indigenous Crisis Supporter
Suicide Call back Service 1300 659 467
In saying that, you are more than welcome to email me if you want to share what's been happening, how you've been going, ask a question etc - and I will endeavour to get back to you within 24 hours Mon-Fri. Email address is hello@huntervalleywalkandtalktherapy.com.au
*If you are concerned your relationship is, or is becoming dangerous or violent, then please visit this page for links to further advice and assistance
Additionally:
When I say that I believe the relationship between a therapist and their client is the most important part of this journey, I am not giving lip service. I believe it whole-heartedly. With that in mind, I want you to know that I genuinely welcome feedback. I will often check in with you to find out how you're feeling about our work together, if something isn't clicking, you can tell me. I won't get defensive or invalidate your feelings. You are hiring me to do a job. Let work together to make sure you are getting what you need from this experience.
